We recently connected with Yanming Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Yanming, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

Transitioning into the realm of design from a background rooted in mass communication was anything but straightforward. Shifting from my undergraduate studies in mass communication to the specialized realm of design during my graduate years presented an imposing learning curve. The intricate nature of design tools, combined with my fledgling grasp of fundamental design principles, often overwhelmed me.

Amidst this period of uncertainty and challenge, a pivotal figure emerged in my journey – my professor at Pratt Institute, Kevin. Beyond his role as an educator, Kevin became a pillar of unwavering support and guidance. He embodied the virtues of patience and optimism. While I frequently grappled with the intricacies of design projects, Kevin’s approach wasn’t centered around mere criticism. Instead, he meticulously pinpointed areas necessitating refinement, offering priceless insights and remedies. What truly set him apart, however, was his unceasing encouragement. His words, “You’ve traversed a considerable distance from your starting point! Your progress is continual! Have faith in yourself!” became my personal creed.

This dynamic transcended the conventional boundaries of student and teacher. Kevin’s steadfast belief in my potential acted as a catalyst for transformation. He not only equipped me with the technical acumen to excel in the design realm but also instilled within me an enduring spirit and self-assurance. Presently, as I engage deeply in UI/UX and graphic design ventures, echoes of Kevin’s teachings and motivation resonate within every design decision I undertake, propelling me to perpetually challenge limits and innovate.

My realization now stands that the domain of design encompasses not only technical mastery but also the human bonds we cultivate and the mentors who illuminate our path. Kevin’s benevolence and mentorship served not only as the forge for my skills but also as the sculptor of my design philosophy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an ardent designer whose journey into the design realm was an unexpected stroke of serendipity. While my academic pursuits initially led me down the path of mass communication, it was during my graduate studies that I stumbled upon my true passion for design. Despite commencing with limited familiarity in design concepts and software, my eagerness to learn and the invaluable guidance I received at Pratt Institute have been instrumental in shaping the designer I’ve become today. Professionally, my focus lies in the domains of UI/UX and Graphic Design. At the core of my work lies a resolute commitment to crafting designs that not only captivate visually but also cater to the needs of users. I firmly believe in harmonizing aesthetics with functionality. By conducting thorough user research, crafting personas, and mapping out user journeys, I ensure that my creations don’t just possess visual appeal but also excel in practicality, effectively bridging the gap between users and the tools they engage with. My proficiency in cultivating immersive brand experiences has consistently resulted in cohesive brand identities that deeply resonate with the intended audiences. One of my proudest skills is the ability to weave narratives through design, utilizing design elements to elicit emotions and establish profound connections with users.
What truly distinguishes me is my unwavering dedication to keeping pace with industry trends, my distinct viewpoint that perceives design as the fusion of emotions and logic, and my ceaseless endeavors to push the boundaries of creativity. The designs I give life to serve as a testament to my belief in the transformative potential of design. It’s not just a career for me; it’s a medium through which I aim to bring about positive change in the world.
For prospective clients, followers, or admirers, I want to convey that my work is driven by genuine passion and a deeply ingrained conviction in the capacity of design to inspire and establish connections. My commitment to excellence, innovation, and purposeful storytelling remains steadfast. When you choose to collaborate with me, you’re not merely acquiring a design solution; you’re embarking on a journey marked by creativity and meaningful impact.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, stand at a captivating crossroads where art, design, and technology converge. From the vantage point of my background in UI/UX and graphic design, I perceive NFTs as a groundbreaking stride in how creators can materialize and commercialize their digital artistry. Much like my emphasis on genuine expression and inventive thought in design, NFTs furnish artists and designers with a platform to exhibit their work in a distinct, verifiable, and unalterable format.

Rooted in my conviction regarding design’s transformative potency and its capacity to stir emotions and forge connections, NFTs emerge as a conduit to amplify this influence further. They inaugurate a realm where digital art can possess a value equivalent, if not surpassing, that of its physical counterparts. The potential avenues through which UI/UX might interweave with the NFT domain in the future are exhilarating to contemplate – envisioning interactive, immersive digital encounters or exclusive user interfaces that capture the essence of limited editions.
Nonetheless, while I deeply acknowledge the prospects NFTs usher into the creative landscape, I also uphold the necessity of approaching this medium with a discerning gaze and ethical considerations, particularly in light of environmental issues linked to blockchain technologies. Just like with any innovation, a balanced, well-informed, and responsible approach will serve as the linchpin for harnessing its potential in a sustainable manner.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my creative journey, my compass has been set on bridging the realms of sentiment and practicality through design. I’ve long held the belief that design, at its core, is a potent fusion of emotions and rationale, where a creator’s feelings intertwine harmoniously with commercial and user-centric goals. My aspiration is to consistently give life to designs that not only allure the beholder visually but also seamlessly function and offer instinctive user experiences. This philosophy finds prominent expression in my approach to UI/UX design, where my endeavors center around crafting design solutions that elevate user engagement. Through an unwavering commitment to thorough user research, the meticulous development of user personas, and the meticulous mapping of user journeys, I endeavor to ensure that each design boasts not just aesthetic allure, but also excels in functionality and user-friendliness.
Furthermore, my dedication to perpetual learning and embracing the current currents of the industry acts as a lodestar, ensuring that my designs stand at the forefront of innovation. Whether I’m engrossed in crafting a UI for an educational tool or conceiving a graphic design for brand communication, my designs draw sustenance from an unyielding passion and an unflagging commitment to excellence. Fundamentally, my mission is to craft designs that not only ignite inspiration and forge connections but also stir emotions, all while effectively addressing pragmatic needs and objectives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yanmingc.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ezjoane
• Email: [email protected]